Harry Maguire is one of several players with uncertain futures at Manchester United but the Old Trafford skipper is one of the more high-profile cases.
Maguire was a mainstay in the side for the best part of three years before Erik ten Hag took charge last year, with the Dutchman preferring most of the other centre-backs at his disposal.
Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are all above Maguire in the pecking order and now, his status in the England squad has also come under questioning.
Maguire has two years remaining on the six-year deal he signed in 2019 but he is not expected to see the deal out, with a departure this summer looking increasingly likely.
There have been reports of interest from other Premier League clubs and now, it is being suggested that fellow Champions League club Newcastle United could be interested.
That’s according to The Sun, who say that manager Eddie Howe is keen on bringing Maguire to St. James’ Park on a short-term deal.
It is, however, stated that United are expected to refuse that proposal out of hand. As per the report, United are not keen on loaning their captain out to a rival.
It’s further claimed that there is a deal to be made for the right price, however, with United open to listening to offers. Additionally, Unai Emery’s high-flying Aston Villa are watching with a keen eye as they could also put themselves in the frame to conduct a deal.
Despite United’s stance on Maguire joining Newcastle on loan, it’s added that Aston Villa stand a better chance of securing a temporary arrangement.
SN’s verdict… Maguire’s chances at United have come and gone and it’s highly unlikely that he will be able to break back into the side, especially after how well the other three centre-backs have performed.
At his age, a sale would also see United add to their transfer kitty and potentially boost their hopes of landing an able replacement, with Napoli’s Kim Min-jae among those to be linked.
